"Not what you were expecting?"
"Well, no."
"That's what they all say, the young ladies that come in," Martha said and pointed to a seat at the desk. "Please sit. Sorry for rushing you in like that. I'm always afraid that anyone coming in will be put off by the drab office area up front. I still haven't gotten around to it yet. It's still a work in progress. Hard to believe I bought these premises a month ago and I'm still in the process of unpacking things."
Taking her seat and making herself comfortable, Elizabet answered. "I understand, I've been running my father's drapery store since he passed. Sometimes it's hard to get a moment to even scratch your nose."
"Really, a drapery shop, which one?"
"Johnston's."
"Ah yes, I know it. Always has a lovely display in the window.” Martha pointed. “You?"
"Well, I learned how to do it from my father. But yes, I dress the window."
"So what can I do for you, Elizabet?"
"Well, I'd like to know more about becoming a mail order bride-"
"Well, you've come to the right place. I should have asked you first, would you like some tea?"
Elizabet shook her head and took Martha's card from her purse. "No thanks. I bumped into Alice yesterday and she gave me your card. She said she couldn't recommend you highly enough."
"Lovely girl. Very bubbly. Left this place yesterday with one of the widest grins I've ever seen."
"Still had it when I met her," Elizabet smiled.
"Another successful pairing," Marta said and opened a drawer. Taking out a small leaflet and putting it on the desk, she followed it up with a notepad and pencil. "This," she said, holding out the leaflet. "Has some of the most common questions people have on becoming a mail order bride. If you want you can look it over, it should help answer any questions you might have."
Elizabet reached out and took the leaflet. "Thank you."
"You don't mind me asking why you're considering becoming a mail order bride," Martha asked.
"Well, I…"
"You don't have to go into any specifics, but the more I know about you and what you're looking for, the better the service I can provide."
"I see. Well, I..."
"I can see I'm putting you on the spot here. Maybe you should take the leaflet and come back in a day or two."
"I'm worried about my safety," Elizabet blurted out. Hearing the words and knowing her secret was out, she instantly regretted it. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that. I better go and not take up any more of your time." Getting to her feet, Elizabet found Martha do the same and come to her side.
"Please sit, whatever is said in this office doesn't go any further. Please," Martha said and again gestured toward the seat. "Think of it as a confession box."
"I said too much already," Elizabet said and took her place once more. Expecting Martha to return to her own side she watched as the woman sat on the corner of the table closest to her and asked. "Is that why Alice sent you?"
Elizabet shook her head. "She doesn't know anything about it. We just talked, and she brought up the idea of leaving New York and making a new life for myself."
"I see. So you see becoming a mail order bride as a way of escape—from this thing."
"Yes."
Martha patted her leg and returned to her side of the desk. Standing by her chair she remarked before sitting down. "You're not the first woman that came through that door looking to get away from trouble. Some women it as the last resort to get away from family, debt, some even prostitution. Believe me, I've heard a lot of sad stories."
Collecting her things, Elizabet got to her feet once more. "It was a long shot Martha, thanks for your time. I'll just sort this out myself." Making her way to the door she found her path cut off.
"It took a lot to come here, didn't it?"
"I just thought—it's doesn't matter. I'd like to go, please."
Putting her hand on her arm, Martha said, "You know, you remind me of myself."
Elizabet asked, "Excuse me?"
"Headstrong, always done things for yourself. I can see myself in you. I know you're a proud woman."
Elizabet said nothing and reached for the door handle.
"Pride can be a good thing. But it can also get you into a world of trouble. I know, I made the mistake of keeping silent because of mine. Listen—I'd love to be the fairy godmother you're looking for. But I don't like to work under pressure—not that I haven't done it before. It's just that the women that pass through here I want to give them the best chance of success and finding love that I can give them. Right now I could pick any man for you, but would he be the perfect match, I don't know?"
"I understand thanks."
"Maybe if you want, we can sit down now and fill out a form?" Martha gestured back to their seats.
Elizabet held up the leaflet, "I've got this for now, thanks Martha."
Opening the door, Martha said, "Listen, you heard what I said. Whatever this trouble is, you don't have to go through it alone. Will you be back?"
"I need to get back to the store. Maybe in the next day or two," Elizabet lied.
"Good, we can talk then. You take care Elizabet and remember what I said."
Walking out the front door and not looking back, Elizabet swore she'd never return.
Chapter 4
Standing in the window of the drapery shop, Elizabet put the finishing touches to its display. Moving a male mannequin to one side, she stood back to admire her work. Remembering back to all the times she's done it before and enjoyed it, today felt a lot different. A few days ago she'd great plans for the shop, moving in more feminine items that her father had been too embarrassed to stock, but now that was gone. Looking at the lifeless scene in front of her, her own life seemed to mirror it, she thought. There was no happiness in what she was doing anymore. In all the years she and her father had lived in New York there was always one place that she could call home. Wherever they lived or rented, the store had always been there for her, never changing and always constant. But now that was gone.
"I bet you're rolling in your grave, Pop," she found herself muttering to the mannequin as she fixed a hat upon it. "I know none of this was your doing."
Happy that she'd done enough she climbed out of the window and sealed up the display. Wondering how it looked to the world outside, she left the store and stood on the sidewalk. Standing in the morning air and watching the first few pedestrians of the day walk by, she stood off to one side to gauge how she'd done. If she could distract one or two at this early morning hour, it bode well for the rest of the day. Seeing one man stop to take a second look at her mannequin, she thought back to a remark her father had said, "Men go buying for what they need. Always remember that Elizabet." If she could portray that need, she'd done well. Reminiscing about the old days and the competition she and her father had had trying to outdo each other, Elizabet heard a cough. Sounding as if they looking for her attention, she turned and found Charles standing there. Looking far from the angry man she'd seen two days ago, he held a bunch of flowers in his hand.
"I think we got off on a bad footing the other day," Charles said, still holding out the flowers. "We both said some things that I think we regret."
"Get the hell away from me, Charles, or I swear I'll scream."
"Please, I'm not here to cause any trouble."
Leaning in close, Elizabet whispered loudly, "You caused enough trouble when you took what was rightly mine." Leaving it at that, she charged into the store and closed the door behind her. Watching through its glass and seeing him nod his hat and smile to a passer-by, she wondered if she was the only one who knew what he was really like. Seeing him make his way to the door, she thought it best to keep some space between them. Heading to the shop counter, Elizabet pulled down the fold-able part of the counter and locked it down. She knew she'd blocked any chance of escape, but at least she could keep him at arm's length. Looking around for any extra protection she could use, Elizab
et found a pair of cloth shears and held them behind her. Wondering what else she could do, she found Charles come in and close the door behind him. Flipping over the open sign to closed, he joined her at the other side of the counter.
"Please Elizabet, there's no need to be like this."
"And I told you, to leave me alone. Now get out of here."
"Well, technically it is my shop-"
"You mean you stole it…"
Charles placed his hands on the counter, "As I said before, you've no proof of what went on between your father and I. For all you know he could have agreed to those terms."
"I don't think so."
Charles fell silent.
Using this opportunity to strike, Elizabet gave your anger an outlet. "What's in it for you, Charles? A drapery shop is a big move from being a lawyer. So what's your play, going to sell it off at the first opportunity?"
Charles smiled. "I've always loved that about you, your strong spirit. Your fight. Your father was so right, you are so much like your mother. Beautiful woman. Sad that you never met her."
"If she was here now, she'd-"
"She'd still be married to your father."
"What do you mean?"
Looking off into the distance as if recalling a memory, he muttered to himself, "Beautiful woman she was, I can still see her smile and hear her laugh."
Elizabet shook her head, "You were in love with her?"
Charles pointed to himself, "You think it's so strange. Yes, I was in love with her. I was as heartbroken as he was when she died. To think that she choose him over me," Charles said and gestured to their surroundings. "This is what she settled for, when I could have given her so much more-"
"She choose well. I shudder to think that you could have been my father," Elizabet said and laughed. "So all this time, you sat at his side with that burning jealousy in you."
"He took the only woman I loved away from me-"
"You're deluded and twisted, you know that?" Elizabet said and laughed once more. "So that's why you changed the will, to get your own back on him."
Charles pointed, "That's slander and you can't prove it."
Elizabet pointed to the shop, "So why take it then? What's in it for you, you know as much about drapery as I know about law."
"You can't see it, can you?"
"See what," Elizabet said.
"You."
"Me?"
Seeing him look her over, Elizabet grabbed the cloth shears from behind her back and held them in front of her. "You're twisted, sick, you know that?"
"You say that now, but in a few months I think you'll look at me in a different way. If I wanted to I could close this place, sell it off. Now where would that put you? Oh yes, on the street, penniless. But if you agreed to marriage…"
Still moving backwards and keeping the shears in view, Elizabet felt physically sick. "You couldn't have my mother so you want the next best thing?"
Charles put the flowers on the counter and walked along the counter opposite her. "I'm not a bad man, Elizabet. I know over time you could grow to love me. We could be great together."
"Get out or I swear I won't be accountable for what I do…"
Elizabet watched Charles look to the shears and hold up his hands as if surrendering. "I know you're in shock and it's a lot to take in at this time. Think it over. You know it makes sense."
Without another word, Elizabet watched him walk out and leave the shop. Watching the door close, she couldn't control her stomach anymore. Gripping the counter beside her, she bent over and threw up.
Chapter 5
Standing at the pier, Elizabet hugged Alice. Holding her at arm's length she looked at her eyes and saw them tear up too.
"I'm going to miss you around her."
"You and the local bakeries," Alice laughed and pulled her in for a hug once more.
"You take care of yourself, you hear me?" Elizabet said into her ear.
Pulling herself free and fixing her dress, she asked, "Well how do I look?"
"Like a bride any man would want to see on his arm."
"This could be you in a few weeks, if you pulled in those horns of yours. Go and see Martha, I know she could help you out."
Elizabet nodded her head. "I will, I will."
Throwing her eye skyward, Alice smiled. "I know you too well." Interrupted by the boats whistle, Alice looked to it. "I better go, they're starting to board. Take care, Bet. Now you have my new address, don't you?"
Elizabet pulled the sheet from her purse and waved it for effect.
"Good, I'll write as soon as I get there," Alice said, breaking free and walking away. Stopping for a moment, she turned one last time, "And you better write to me, you hear me? Don't make me come back here."
"I will," Elizabet smiled, not knowing if she'd heard her. Watching her walk the gangplank, she thought it best if she left now. Climbing back on the buggy they'd arrived in, Elizabet gave the driver Martha's address.
*****
"How was Alice?" Martha asked. "Safely on her way?"
"You know, Alice," Elizabet smiled, "I bet she's already asking the captain to travel at full speed. I've never seen her so excited."
"That's good, I'm going to miss her," Martha replied.
"Me too."
"So—this isn't a social call, I take it."
"No."
"I'll tell you what, let me get some tea and then we can talk. I find it easier to talk with a cup in my hand, don't you?"
Said like a statement rather than a question, Elizabet watched her get up and leave.
"I'll be back in a moment."
Returning a few minutes later, Martha walked in with a small trolley. Expecting her to take it to her desk, Elizabet watched as she pushed it over to a small table in the corner of the room. Lifting a pair of cups and placing them on it, she waved her over. "I thought maybe we'd have tea here. You don't mind, do you?"
"If that's what you'd like," Elizabet said leaving her seat to join her.
"Please sit. Sometimes I find that sitting at that desk—well, it makes things seem a little formal and stuffy. How do you like your tea dear?" Martha asked, her hand hovering over a small china jug and sugar bowl.
"Milk and one sugar please, thank you."
"Milk and sugar it is," Martha said, adding a sugar cube and holding the jug over her cup. "Say when."
Watching the milk run in, Elizabet stopped her. "That's fine, thank you."
Picking up the cup and saucer and handing it over, Martha remarked. "To be honest I didn't think you'd be back."
Elizabet paused. "How did you-?"
"Let's just say, that's what I would have done. I would have been out that door, mumbling under my breath about how useless I was..."
Taking a sip of tea, Elizabet coughed it back up on hearing this.
"You see I told you," Martha laughed, taking her own cup and finding her seat. "Was I close?"
Elizabet said nothing and waved her hand in a maybe gesture.
"When I look back now, I should have been more understanding. So this problem you had—I take it it's got worse."
"How did you know?"
"Well, again, putting myself in your shoes. I wouldn't be back unless I'd nowhere else to go." Taking a sip of her tea, she remarked, "I'm glad you did though."
Elizabet sipped her tea and put her cup back on its saucer. "I thought I could handle things but-"
"I'll tell you what, let's go back to the very beginning. And as I said before, nothing of this travels outside these four walls."
Taking a deep breath and placing her cup and saucer on the table, Elizabet began her story.
"So he just wrote himself in on your father's will?"
Elizabet nodded, "I thought he'd done it for the money. But I was wrong. He knew it was the only thing I had."
"So he's using the shop against you?"
"Yes. I thought maybe he'd plans for selling it and making some money, but he doesn't…"
"I see.
"
"He's using it as leverage over me. He wants me to marry him."
"Really?"
"It's a long and twisted story. He was in love with my mother and lost her to my father. Ever since then he's resented my father for it. I guess taking the shop was his way of getting revenge, plus…"
"Plus?"
"Plus he'll also have me. A woman who he says reminds him of the woman he was in love with."
"My, my—and you can't challenge his tampering of the will?"
"I can't prove anything. All I have is my father's word. The words of a dead man can't compete with his word and the will. You know how that would end up. I'd be seen as some hysterical woman who couldn't accept what her father did to her. Plus he's threatened me with violence."
"I see," Martha said and took a long drink from her cup. "Do you think he'll follow through on that threat?"
"I can't be sure. But for someone to do the things he's done and for those reasons, I wouldn't put it passed him." Watching Martha and wondering what was going on in her head Elizabet asked. "If you were in my shoes?"
"I'd be here. Although knowing how I was, it would have taken me another few weeks, due to my stubbornness and pride. Can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"Are you looking for love?"
"Well, I-"
"I mean, you're not thinking of becoming a mail order bride just as a getaway, are you? Because if you are, I'd rather you got some money together and bought yourself a ticket on the next paddle steamer out of here." Holding up her teapot, Martha gestured with it.
"No more tea, thank you. As for looking for love, I'd be a liar if I said I didn't want a companion in my life and some kids of my own."
"Good. Then let's get you started. The last thing I want to see is you having to get married out of necessity. If you're going to get married to anyone, I'd rather the choice was yours," Martha said replacing the teapot and getting to her feet. "If you'd like to follow me to the business end of the room, we've got some men to screen through and paperwork to fill out."
Mail Order Bride: Love On The Line: A Mail Order Brides Western Romance Page 2
